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I-16 safety enhancement project enters final phase

Native wildflowers adorn parts of the I-16 median in Bryan County as part of the state Department of Transportation’s safety enhancement project for the interstate.

Updated:
Dec. 6, 2018, 1:29 p.m.

Georgia Department of Transportation’s safety enhancement
project along portions of Interstate 16 that began in February of 2017 has
entered the final phase, which consists of planting Georgia native trees.

“The transformation of the I-16 median is nearing
completion,” said Georgia DOT District Engineer Bradford W. Saxon. “We began
with a two-year plan that sought to strike a balance of the intended safety and
operational benefits with aesthetic appeal.
The results are in full bloom in the 90 acres of wildflowers planted
along the corridor, and in the trees that are being planted to be enjoyed for
years to come.”

This safety project has changed the median landscape along
the I-16 corridor in Candler, Bulloch and Bryan counties. The medians
transformation from previously dense overgrowth of trees and vegetation, to
temporary barren terrain with debris, has now transitioned into blankets of
colorful wild flowers and grassy meadows in many areas. A median cable barrier
has also been installed to improve safety along the corridor.

The final stage is landscaping efforts that will occur at
seven locations, with the planting of native hardwood trees like live oaks, red
maple and magnolias. The landscape designs provide abundant clear zones for the
safety of the traveling public while enhancing aesthetics throughout the
corridor. In addition, maintenance of these medians will be more accessible and
therefore cost affective.